Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘A Haunting in Salem’

Written by Scott Edwards 

The Downs family has picked up and moved their life to Salem, Massachusetts to be with their father Wayne as he embarks on his new position of Sheriff in the town. As they arrive at their new home, Carrie and Wayne are very happy with the move, but their kids are not and do not want to give the new place a chance. Moving into the old town of Salem has the kids on edge as they have heard stories about a murder that took place in the house many years ago. 

Trying to dismiss these claims to his kids, Wayne does believe in the supernatural and wants to make sure that his family will be safe in their new surroundings. Hearing a brief history of the home, Wayne wants to know what really happened to the previous owners in the house but learns that the infamous witch trials took place in his backyard and there may be something out of the ordinary lurking inside of the walls. 

As strange sounds come from the old estate, Wayne starts to see things that he believes are only in his mind. As every old house has is quirks, he is sure that this one has nothing out of the ordinary happening, until his groundskeeper ends up dead in the backyard. Not being the suicidal type, the groundskeeper was found hung from a tree with no other explanation. The deputy on the scene introduces himself to his new boss but tries to keep all of the stories surrounding the old house at bay as well, but once Wayne demands answers he finds that there is more to this house than he and his family could possibly imagine.

A Haunting in Salem follows the Downs family as they have moved to Salem, Massachusetts. Wayne is taking over the vacant sheriff position and also staying in one of the oldest homes in the area, deemed the Sheriff's House. What the family has to go through next is nothing they could have ever expected as strange sounds surround them and visions infect their minds. Wayne believes that there could be something supernatural happening due to the bloody history of the area. With nobody feeling secure in the house, his daughter Alli gets sick and adds to the discomfort of the family. 

This is one of those movies that takes place in an area that is surrounded with a negative history and plays well off of it. Everyone has heard about the Salem Witch Trials, but you don’t hear about people living in the house where the witches were hung and buried. Focusing on the tainted past of the area is where this movie takes off and plays just fine. Allowing the characters to figure out what is causing the haunting is perfect as many other haunting stories will leave you hanging, even after they end. With a fine haunting and some witch stories and a possible possession, this film does a great job of letting you know you might want to steer clear of some parts of Salem. Stay Scared.

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